Some plants that do well under crepe myrtles are impatiens, coleus, ferns, and ivy. Be sure to choose plants that will tolerate the same amount of sun and shade as the crepe myrtle.
If you’re looking for a shrub that will provide your garden with beautiful, cascading flowers, then you should consider planting crepe myrtle. This hardy plant is perfect for adding color and interest to any landscape, and it’s easy to care for too! When it comes to choosing what to plant under crepe myrtle, there are a few options that work well.
Try pairing it with dwarf mondo grass or liriope for a low-maintenance groundcover that will showcase the shrub’s pretty blooms. Or, go for something taller like daylilies or irises to add height and contrast. No matter what you choose, crepe myrtle is sure to brighten up your garden!
Contents
All About Crape Myrtles (Growing and Maintaining Crape Myrtles)
Ground Cover Crepe Myrtle
Looking for an attractive ground cover that is also heat and drought tolerant? Then you need to consider the ground cover crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). This low-growing shrub is perfect for covering large areas of your landscape with minimal care.
And, unlike many other ground covers, the crepe myrtle will provide some seasonal interest with its pretty flowers and vibrant fall foliage.
The ground cover crepe myrtle is a compact variety of the well-known flowering shrub. It typically only grows to be about 2 feet tall, making it ideal for use as a ground cover.
The plant has a spreading habit and can quickly fill in an area. The glossy green leaves are small and ovate shaped. In late summer or early fall, the plant produces beautiful clusters of pink or purple flowers.
These blooms are followed by shiny black fruits that persist into winter.
This plant is very easy to grow and care for. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including both sandy and clay soils.
Once established, it is quite drought tolerant and does not require much supplemental watering. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade. Pruning is not necessary but can be done if desired to keep the plant looking tidy.
If you are looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover for your landscape, consider the crepe myrtle!
Will Grass Grow under Crepe Myrtle
Most people think that crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are finicky plants that won’t tolerate any competition from other plants. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, grass will often grow quite well under a crepe myrtle, as long as the conditions are right.
The key to success is to choose a grass that is tolerant of shade and doesn’t need a lot of water. Fescue (Festuca spp.), for example, is a good choice. Once you’ve selected your grass, make sure to plant it in moist, well-drained soil and give it plenty of room to spread out.
Crepe myrtles have shallow roots, so you don’t want to plant the grass too close to the trunk.
Finally, keep an eye on the moisture level under the crepe myrtle. If it starts to dry out, water deeply and regularly until the grass becomes established.
With a little care, you can have a beautiful lawn beneath your favorite summer bloomer!
Where Do Crepe Myrtles Grow Best
Crepe myrtles are a species of flowering plant native to Asia. They are popular ornamental plants in the southern United States, where they are often called “lilacs” or “crape myrtles”. Crepe myrtles grow best in warm climates with long growing seasons.
They can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. Crepe Myrtles prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of drought and heat, but will not tolerate wet feet.
Crepe myrtles should be fertilized in early spring with a slow release fertilizer.
Dwarf Crape Myrtle Companion Plants
When it comes to finding the perfect companion plant for your dwarf crape myrtle, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to choose a plant that is of similar size and growth habit. This will ensure that your plants complement each other and don’t overcrowd each other as they mature.
Another important consideration is bloom time. You’ll want to choose a companion plant that blooms at a different time than your crape myrtle so that you have continuous color in your garden all season long. Some good choices for summer-blooming companions include daylilies, butterfly bush, and black-eyed Susans.
Finally, make sure to choose plants with similar cultural requirements as your crape myrtle. Both plants should prefer full sun and well-drained soil for best results. With these guidelines in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect partner for your dwarf crape myrtle!
Credit: www.tedstrees.com
What Trees Grow Well With Crepe Myrtles?
Crepe myrtles are a popular choice for landscaping in the southern United States because they are heat and drought tolerant. They can be grown as shrubs or trees and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, and red. While crepe myrtles are generally low-maintenance, they do need to be pruned annually to keep them looking their best.
When choosing companion plants for your crepe myrtle, it is important to select those that will not compete with the tree for water or nutrients. Here are some trees that grow well with crepe myrtles:
Magnolia – Magnolias are a classic southern tree that add beauty and elegance to any landscape.
They have large, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring and their leaves remain green throughout the year. Magnolias can reach up to 80 feet tall, so be sure to choose a location where they will have plenty of room to grow.
Dogwood – Dogwoods are another popular choice for landscaping in the south.
They have beautiful flowers that bloom in the springtime as well as attractive fall foliage. Dogwoods typically range from 20-40 feet tall, making them a good size companion for crepe myrtles.
Redbud – Redbuds are smaller trees that only grow to about 20-30 feet tall at maturity.
They produce beautiful pink or purple flowers in the springtime before their leaves emerge. Redbuds make an excellent addition to any landscape and provide lovely color when planted near crepe myrtles.
Where Should You Not Plant a Crape Myrtle?
Crape myrtles are heat-loving trees that thrive in hot, humid climates. They are native to Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and have been introduced to North America, where they are now widely cultivated. Crape myrtles can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planting a crape myrtle. First, they need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Second, they are not tolerant of salt or drought conditions.
And third, they can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it’s important to choose a healthy plant from a reputable nursery.
When it comes to choosing a location for your crape myrtle, avoid low-lying areas that may stay wet after rains or irrigation. These conditions can lead to fungal diseases such as root rot.
Also steer clear of windy sites, as strong winds can damage the branches or even topple the tree. Instead, look for an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Once you’ve selected the perfect spot for your crape myrtle, dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball but no deeper.
This will help encourage shallow rooting which is vital for these trees.
Should You Put Mulch around Crepe Myrtles?
Crepe myrtles are a common sight in many Southern landscapes. They are known for their beautiful flowers and attractive bark, and they are relatively easy to care for. One question that is often asked about crepe myrtles is whether or not you should put mulch around them.
The answer is yes, you should put mulch around crepe myrtles.
Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture, which is especially important during the hot, dry summer months. It also helps to control weeds and keep the roots of the crepe myrtle cool and protected.
When applying mulch, be sure to spread it out evenly around the base of the plant and keep it several inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. A layer of two to three inches is ideal.
In addition to using mulch, there are a few other things you can do to help your crepe myrtle thrive.
Water it deeply once a week during periods of extended drought (this will vary depending on your climate). Prune it annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. And finally, give it some protection from harsh winter weather by covering it with burlap or another type of cloth if freezing temperatures are forecasted.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy beautiful blooms on your crepe myrtle year after year!
Are Roots of Crepe Myrtle Invasive?
It’s a common question for gardeners: are roots of crepe myrtle invasive? The answer is, it depends. Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are native to Asia and have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the southern United States.
In their native habitat, crepe myrtles typically grow in moist soils near streams or wetlands. But in drier climates like the American South, they’re often found on upland sites. On these upland sites, crepe myrtles can be very aggressive, sending out long roots that compete with other plants for water and nutrients.
This can make them a nuisance in gardens and landscapes.
But not all crepe myrtles are equally invasive. Some varieties, such as ‘Natchez’ and ‘Sioux’, are more restrained than others and don’t send out such extensive roots.
So if you’re concerned about invasiveness, choose a variety that’s known to be less aggressive. Also, take care not to plantcrepe myrtles too close to sidewalks, driveways or other areas where their roots could cause problems. With proper care and placement, crepe myrtles can be beautiful additions to any landscape – without being invasive.
Conclusion
When it comes to landscaping, one of the most popular choices is crepe myrtle. But what should you plant under crepe myrtle? Here are a few ideas:
1. Liriope: This evergreen groundcover is perfect for filling in any bare spots in your landscaping. It’s also low-maintenance and can tolerate a bit of shade.
2. Hosta: If you’re looking for something that will add some height and texture to your landscape, hostas are a great option.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your space. Just be sure to give them enough room to spread out since they can get quite large.
3. Daylilies: These cheerful flowers are perfect for adding color to your landscape.
They’re easy to care for and will bloom all summer long.
4. Sedum: This hardy succulent is perfect for hot, dry spaces that other plants wouldn’t be able to survive in. It’s also drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering it often.
5. Fairy roses: These delicate little roses are perfect for adding some romance to your landscape.